Think Before You Back: Reducing Accidents in City Fleets

Guest post by Garrett Johnson, LMCIT loss control consultant

For city fleets, backing accidents are among the most frequent — and the most preventable. Whether operating a snowplow, pickup, or utility vehicle, backing poses unique risks due to blind spots, limited visibility, and distractions. By promoting safe backing practices, cities can reduce incidents, protect employees, and save resources.

Most vehicles are not designed with backing as a priority. Large blind spots, tight workspaces, and pedestrian activity make reversing a challenge. Even minor incidents can lead to costly damage, downtime, and injuries. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward prevention.

The best way to prevent a backing accident is to avoid backing altogether. This can be achieved by:

• Planning routes to minimize the need to reverse
• Choosing parking spaces that allow pull-through or forward exits
• Encouraging employees to think ahead before stopping or parking a vehicle
• Walking around the vehicle before backing to check for obstacles
• Backing slowly and cautiously, maintaining control at all times
• Using mirrors and cameras properly by checking multiple views rather than relying on one tool
• Staying alert since distractions while backing greatly increase the chance of an incident

When backing is unavoidable, using a spotter can significantly reduce risk. Spotters should be trained to maintain clear sightlines and communication with drivers. Equipment such as backup cameras, sensors, and alarms can provide additional awareness — but these tools should supplement, not replace, safe practices.

Backing may be routine but is never risk-free. With the right planning, training, and habits, cities can prevent these common accidents and keep employees, vehicles, and communities safe.

For additional support, reach out to your loss control consultant to review your backing-related claim activity, identify trends, and explore additional preventive measures.